Philanthropy and Social Progress: Seven Essays (1893)

Kate’s move to Walla Walla, Washington, from Boston, Massachusetts, seemed to be a dream come true, for not only her, but also her family. Walla Walla was a beautiful little town in eastern Washington, where crime was minimal and the people were friendly. Kate compared her new home to living in a Christmastime snow globeA[a–A]it was perfect. Her house, her neighbors, and even the school that her children attended was perfect. So, what was it that caused Kate’s seemingly perfect life to result in her committing heinous murders? Did she just have a psychotic break, or did something else drive her to it? Is she evil, or is it evil?